Riyadh: A decades-old royal palace which stands witness to a phase of Saudi history was opened a few days ago to the public, attracting large numbers of visitors, delegations, diplomats and heritage enthusiasts, Saudi Gazette reported.
Saudi founder and first monarch built the Red Palace in the Al Fouta neighborhood of Riyadh for son Saud, the then crown prince and successor to the throne, to live with his mother.
The palace, which was later turned into a museum, witnessed major political decisions and historic events in the region, including the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and the severance of ties with Britain and France during the Suez crisis in 1956.
The palace was built in 1945 by contractor Mohammed bin Ladin with the help of a number of Egyptian architects. It was the first concrete and steel structure built in the kingdom.
The palace has 16 suites, which have all been decorated with artworks by Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Nasser Al Saud. It will remain open to the public until April 20.
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